Kennel Technician
Description
Grant County Humane Society
Job Type: Kennel Technician | Location: Platteville, WI, and surrounding Grant County | Collaborates with: Shelter Manager and Executive Director or Operations | Full/Part time, Hourly $12-$20 per hour pending experience
The Kennel Technician is responsible for the general health and wellness of all dogs and cats at the shelter, providing a friendly, informative presence for visitors, and upholding the shelter's values and mission. Duties will include cleaning, feeding, walking, medicating, and bathing dogs and cats.
The technician will also have an integral role in adoptions. Relaying the animal’s personality and traits to potential owners. The technician will help with visits and interact with owners and their animals, introducing them to the adoptee animal. They will oversee paperwork and do follow-up with the family after adoption as support.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Animal Care
- Conduct pre-cleaning walkthroughs to check for sick or injured animals.
- Provide daily cleaning and care for animals, ensuring clean housing, fresh water, and appropriate bedding.
- Follow established cleaning protocols for kennels, interior and exterior exercise areas, interior rooms, and cattery, including scrubbing, disinfecting, and regular waste removal.
- Adhere to feeding schedules and protocols for all animals.
- Assist with animal movement and placement under the direction of the Kennel Manager.
- Willingness to learn basic medical skills like vaccination administration, microchipping, and diagnostic testing, and accurately complete paperwork regarding animal history, care, and temperament.
- Assist with daily kennel enrichment activities and exercise to support animal well-being.
- Conduct end-of-day walkthroughs to check water levels, food availability, and animal well-being.
- Assist with other duties.
Client Relation Interactions
- Greet and assist visitors with a friendly, helpful demeanor, even in high-pressure situations.
- Supervise meet-and-greet sessions and provide adoption counseling.
- Represent the shelter's values and mission in all interactions with the public and team members.
- Stay well-versed in all adoption policies and procedures to ensure consistent and informed guidance.
- Promote and embody an "open adoption" approach employing empathy and inclusivity, regardless of race, gender, or perceived social or financial status.
- Comply with shelter SOPS, OSHA guidelines, and safety protocols.
- Uphold care/disease-control protocols and document intake, treatment, adoption, and euthanasia decisions.
- Maintain safety, injury, and emergency-response policies.
- Protect adopter data
- Practice safe animal handling and workplace safety procedures.
- Report on safety concerns and communicate animal needs to the Kennel Manager.
Other Essential Duties
- Maintain shelter facility, tools, and equipment, ensuring they are clean and in good condition, and report any issues to the Kennel Manager.
- Monitor supply levels and notify the Kennel Manager of the items needed.
- Complete daily and weekly task checklists.
- Cross-train in areas such as behavior, intake, and medical assistance.
- Support coworkers and volunteers as needed to enhance overall shelter operations. Continue learning and developing skills to provide well-rounded animal care.
Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- High school diploma or GED. Two (2) years of hands-on experience working in a shelter, rescue, or other closely related facility (preferred).
- Ability to deal with animals of all breeds and temperaments; no fear of animals and no extreme allergies.
- Willingness to work split shifts and weekends.
- Dependability, flexibility, and ability to multitask and manage time effectively. Commitment to humane animal care.
- A valid driver's license.
Working Conditions
- Mixed office/shelter/outdoor environment with exposure to animal dander, waste, chemicals, noise, weather, and zoonotic/injury risk.
- Requires standing, lifting (50lbs solo / 75lbs assisted), and other physical activity, plus occasional evenings, weekends, and emergency hours.
Compensation & Benefits
Mileage when using own vehicle
Supplying technology for employment and community engagement
Simple IRA–consultant provided
PTO–to be determined based on experience
Paid Holiday–main 6: Christmas, Jan1, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day
How to Apply
Send a resume and cover letter to the address below.